Aston Villa make transfer approach for Man Utd-linked midfielder

Aston Villa have enquired about a January move for AC Milan and England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, according to reports.

Loftus-Cheek has made 90 appearances in all competitions for Milan having left boyhood club Chelsea in search of a fresh opportunity and guaranteed playing time back in 2023.

The 29-year-old quickly endeared himself to the San Siro faithful with his lung-busting performances in the middle of the park and played a key role as the Rossoneri won the Italian Super Cup last season.

But regular starts have been few and far between for Loftus-Cheek this term and speculation has been mounting that the England international could be on his way back to Premier League football in the near future.

Widespread reports earlier this week suggested Manchester United had been offered the chance to sign Loftus-Cheek, with the Chelsea academy product looking to boost his hopes of World Cup selection.

While United are not looking to make a permanent signing this winter, a loan move for Loftus-Cheek has been mooted as a potential option for the Old Trafford giants before the January deadline.

However, it appears United could face competition should they press ahead and pursue a deal for Loftus-Cheek, with Villa becoming the latest team to make an approach for the rangy midfielder.

According to talkSPORT, Unai Emery is keen to bring in an extra body in midfield following the devastating news that Boubacar Kamara will be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a serious knee problem.

Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley and John McGinn are also out injured for Villa, meaning Youri Tielemans, Lamare Bogarde and 18-year-old George Hemmings are the only central midfielders available to Emery at this crucial stage of the season.

The report claims United’s discussions for Loftus-Cheek have thus far only been ‘exploratory’ – and the Red Devils risk being beaten to a deal by Villa should they dally over a move.

Loftus-Cheek’s current contract with Milan runs through to June 2027.

In October, Loftus-Cheek was recalled by England after a seven-year absence from the national team, coming on as a substitute in the Three Lions’ 3-0 victory over Wales.

‘I think it’s good to have a goal. I mean, you always want a dream. So, I mean it’s in my head, but it’s not the front right now,’ Loftus-Cheek said of his World Cup aspirations.

‘Whether you focus on that right now, I’m not sure. I think you have to focus on what you’re doing at your club, it is still a long way.

‘And I think for me, first and foremost, is to stay fit, stay healthy, and keep playing well for my for my club. And if I do that, I think I’ve got good chance, and who knows what can happen.’

Villa are also believed to be working on a deal for Tammy Abraham, who Loftus-Cheek knows well from their Chelsea academy days. The pair also shared a dressing room when the striker was on loan at Milan last season.

Should Villa fail in their move for Abraham, wantaway Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta could come to the fore as an alternative option up front.

The 28-year-old France striker is also attracting strong interest from Juventus this month.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.